Death to the Feeble Masses

Back in May of this year Death on Fire, the solo project of multi-instrumentalist Tim Kenefic, released Lazerwulf Demos. The band’s blend of classic metal, thrash, death and even a touch of experimentation translates extremely well and even though it may not sound like it on paper, it is indeed cohesive, and not to mention, a multi-headed beast of an effort. Death on Fire is currently working on new material so stay tuned for more information on that. But for now, head inside to get acquainted with Kenefic via his answers to our set of Profile questions.

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How did you first get into playing music and have you achieved the level of success that you always hoped to achieve?

Oddly enough, I wanted to learn “wonder-wall” by Oasis. After that I got into more and more metal and progressive music. I studied classical guitar at college but would like to take the step up to a national signed act vs a regional diy act.

What’s the most you have ever debased yourself to get your band onto a show, into a magazine or otherwise promoted, covered, debased and praised? If you don’t have a story please tell us any embarrassing story.

I don’t think selling ones self short is the right thing to do. I have called in favors and worked hard but never been too hard up for press. I have tried to buy on to cool tours here and there. I have challenged Dave Davidson to a guitar solo contest on Instagram but he never answered. He would probably win but I claim victory since he failed to respond.

What do you see as some of the great things happening in metal and what are some of the worst things happening inside the scene right now?

I don’t like whiny screaming and off key singing that is way off key. Djent has kind of been over done and let’s face it only one band ever got it right. The worst thing though is fans not supporting all forms of art in the scene. Things can get pretty elitist in some ways which is too bad.

It seems that now everyone has a passion for some cause and that those people are very open about displaying their passions. This is probably a very, very good (and progressive) thing socially. What are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you and how do you insert those issues into your music? (This question is especially appropriate for you since your music is quite an outlet for your physical and emotional pains).

My music is mostly about my daily struggles with the stresses of my life. I am an advocate for fathers rights and liberal at heart but ultimately it’s about being good to people. I don’t care too heavily for religious extremism. I don’t care for people that aren’t willing to work or fight for what they want. I think we have the power to make life what we want so long as we keep fighting for it. We live in a world with plenty of evil so there is more than enough material to pull from for inspiration.

What, or who, got you into metal and how old were you? How did your family take the news?

My guitar teacher Ken Jehle. He is awesome and we still talk to this day. My parents were okay with it because it kept me busy and out of trouble. I wanted to shred!

What advice do you have for aspiring music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

Keep doing what you are doing! It is up to us to get our info to you. I don’t care what Metallica and Lady Gaga are up to and I don’t care about band feuds like Suicide Silence and Thy Art is Murder. Some people do, not me though. Show me something new with a good melody and a message. I guess that is on the readers though. You have to write what they want to read so…..

What’s your goal? You guys thinking world domination? Maybe saving a continent? Maybe invading one? Any interest in starting a cult? Do you guys have day jobs or hobbies you want to share? Whatever it is, please let us know.

I have a job in Sales. The band guys are all working musicians that I am friends with. I love Rugby and power lifting. Family is always important too, obviously. No goals for world domination. A good tour would be nice. We are in the process of starting to shop our second album which should be done late 2017 so fingers crossed that someone picks it up. I am a realist though and know we have to work for what we want in this business.

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently? (Feel free to include non-metal)

I am old school: Carcass, Morbid Angel, Painters, Amon Amarth. Any thrash and Megadeth. Newer stuff is Gojira, Cattle Decapitation and Revocation. Getting back into jazz and 80s top 40 as a break from the aggression.

Summarize your band in exactly one word. (Disclosure: If you include additional words, we will select our favorite for the final publication.)